Cheetah Chatter
News, Events, and Updates for Our Central Families
Cheetah Chatter
News, Events, and Updates
October 19 - October 23
From the Principal's Den
Dear Central Families,
As we reflect on our shared commitment to learning, leadership, perseverance, and belonging, I want to take a moment to emphasize how important your voice is in shaping the future of Central Elementary Community School.
We are currently striving for 100% participation in our Central Elementary Community School Family Survey 2026–2027, but right now, we have only reached about 15% participation. We need every single family’s input to help guide our school’s future choices and actions.
Please take just 5–10 minutes to share your family’s needs, local connections, and unique talents:
Online: CLICK HERE to complete the Central Elementary Community School Family Survey 2026–2027
Paper Copy: If you prefer a hard copy, please feel free to stop by the main office to pick one up.
As a token of our appreciation, every completed survey automatically enters your family into a raffle to win exciting prizes, including gift cards and Central swag!
Thank you for partnering with us to make Central the best place it can be for our students and community.
Warmly,
Dr. Chavarin
Important Dates
Friday, October 23: PTA Spooky Run at 8:00-12:30 & Kindergarten Lunch & Learn at 11:25-12:05
October 26-30: Red Ribbon Week
Friday, October 30: The Central Cheetah Costume Crawl at 8:15 am on the Blacktop
Wednesday, November 4: McDonald’s Fundraiser Night (1146 E Valley Pkwy) at 4-7pm
Scroll down for more details on each of these events.
EUSD Commitment: A Safe and Inclusive Learning Environment for Every Student
The Right to Education is Universal
Our district is fully committed to providing a safe, welcoming environment for every student. Under California law (AB 49), all children have a legal right to a public education regardless of immigration status.
Privacy & Security: Schools do not share student records or personal information with immigration enforcement without parent consent or a court order. Campus access is strictly restricted.
Family Resources: Access our district's AB 49 Informational Webpage and EUSD Parents and Families Portal for updates. For legal or basic needs support (food, housing), connect with Interfaith Community Services and their specialized Immigration Clinic.
If you have questions or need assistance, please stop by your school’s main office or Family Engagement Center!
What's Roaring At Central
Celebrating Our Stars: All-School Awards Assembly!
On Thursday morning, October 15th, our school community gathered for our second All-School Awards Assembly! Our talented 5th graders kicked off the celebration with a special performance—singing a song featuring all 50 states and their capitals. We were also treated to a fun surprise visit from our very own mascot, Charlie Cheetah, who helped cheer everyone on!
A huge congratulations to all of the students who received awards for their hard work, citizenship, and achievement. We are so proud of our students—keep shining bright!
Congratulations to this month's Charlie Cheetah Attendance Adventure Winners!
Being at school every day and on time sets our students up for success! We want to recognize our top classrooms from the recent Charlie Cheetah Attendance Challenge (Sept. 10 – Oct. 14):
1st Place: Ms. Noel's Class – 96.30%
2nd Place: Ms. Hostler's Class – 96.19%
3rd Place: Ms. Young's Class – 95.65%
Room 28 will have Charlie Cheetah visiting their classroom this month to celebrate their achievement! Thank you to all our families for prioritizing consistent attendance and morning punctuality—every day counts!
Hands-On Learning: Children’s Museum Visits 2nd Grade!
Our 2nd graders had an exciting, hands-on learning experience when the Children’s Museum brought the field trip right to our campus!
Students became young engineers and urban planners as they gathered around interactive, 3D relief landscape models to build, explore, and problem-solve together. Working in small groups, they used building blocks, tape, and colorful materials to construct bridges, buildings, and community structures across waterways and roadways. From designing roadways to testing out structural ideas, our 2nd graders engaged in collaborative teamwork, hands-on discovery, and plenty of creative fun!
Campus Updates & Reminders
Keep Our Students Safe at Play: Appropriate School Footwear
For your child’s safety, please ensure they wear fully closed-toe shoes to school every day (such as sneakers or athletic shoes). Proper footwear helps protect their feet so they can play, run, and enjoy PE and recess safely! Thank you for your support in keeping our playground fun and safe for everyone!
Reminder: Complete Our Family Survey!
CLICK HERE to complete the Central Elementary Community School Family Survey 2026–2027
Upcoming Events
PTA Hosts Our Annual SPOOKY-RUN FUNDRAISER - Friday, October 23
Mark your calendars! The PTA is thrilled to host our annual Spooky-Run Fundraiser on Friday, October 23. It’s going to be a fun, active day for all our students, and we need your support to make it a spook-tacular success!
How You Can Help:
Volunteer: We are looking for energetic volunteers to help us decorate both before and help with running the event during the event!
Donate Items (Most Needed!): We are collecting donations of Water Bottles and Kirkland Chocolate Chip Granola Bars. Please drop donations off at the school main office by October 15.
Have Questions or Ready to Sign Up?
Contact PTA President Marisol Fabian: central.elementary.pta.eusd@gmail.com
Contact Family Liaison Gladys Zavala: gzavala@eusd.org
Spooky-Run Running Schedule:
Preschool: 8:00 AM – 8:20 AM
Kindergarten: 8:30 AM – 8:50 AM
Transitional Kindergarten (TK): 9:00 AM – 9:20 AM
1st Grade: 9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
2nd Grade: 10:00 AM – 10:30 AM
3rd Grade: 10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
4th Grade: 11:20 AM – 11:50 AM
5th Grade: 12:00 PM – 12:30 PM
Thank you for your support—we can't wait to see everyone out on the track!
Join Us for the Kindergarten Lunch & Learn!
Mark your calendars! On Friday, October 23, families in Salas, Ibave, Amador/Martinez, Bowman, & Bird's classes are invited to join us on campus for our Kindergarten Lunch & Learn.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to step into your student’s world, see how they navigate mealtime, and enjoy lunch together right here at school.
The Details:
Date: Friday, October 23
Time: Starts at 11:25 AM
Classes Invited: Ms. Salas, Ms. Ibave, Ms. Amador/Martinez, Ms. Bowman, & Mr. Bird
Lunch Options: Bring a favorite packed lunch from home for yourself and your student, or grab a meal directly from our cafeteria line.
Pricing: School lunch is FREE for all students. Adult lunches are $6.00 (exact change required for adult meals).
We can’t wait to welcome our Kindergarten families to campus to share a meal and build our school community together!
Red Ribbon Week - October 26-30
Monday - WEAR RED
- Wear red clothing or accessories to kick off the week.
Tuesday - SUPER HERO DAY
- Wear a cape, a superhero shirt, or dress like a real-life hero (firefighter, doctor, teacher, parent).
Wednesday - PICTURE PERFECT
- Dress to impress in picture-day best attire.
Thursday - HAT DAY
- Wear your favorite hat!
Friday - COSTUME DAY
- Wear a Halloween costume or wear orange and black.
The Central Cheetah Costume Crawl
Central Elementary School’s Annual Parade!
WHEN & WHERE
Date: Friday, October 30th
Time: 8:15 AM
Location: On the Main Blacktop
INFO FOR PARENTS & VISITORS
Visitor Check-In: Get a visitor’s sticker at the gate upon entry.
Attendance & Seating: Parents are invited to attend! Stand or sit in designated viewing areas.
PLEASE NOTE: Visitors must leave immediately after the event concludes.
PAWS for Attendance
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Here! Attendance Challenge Starts Monday, October 12!
Help your student's grade level win the ultimate celebration!
Don't Stop 'Til You Get Here! Grand Prize!
The Winning Grade Level Wins A... Michael Jackson MPR Dance Party!
October 12 - October 30 (A 3-Week Challenge)
How to Win!
Show up every day! (Perfect Attendance Counts!)
Be on time! (Be in your seat by 8:10 AM!)
Track the leaders! (Check the leaderboard weekly!)
Expanded Learning - EXPLORE
Central Elementary Flag Rugby Season Schedule
The Legion Community Foundation has partnered with the Escondido Unified School District’s (EUSD) Expanded Learning Opportunities Program to bring the Escondido Flag Rugby League to our after-school programming! Teams are already formed and actively practicing during the EUSD EXPLORE program.
All league games take place at Rincon Middle School. Come out and cheer on Central as they take the field:
Oct 3 (Game 1): 11:00 AM vs. Juniper (Field 2)
Oct 10 (Game 2): 10:30 AM vs. Pioneer (Field 2)
Oct 17 (Game 3): 9:30 AM vs. Rose (Field 1)
Oct 24 (Game 4): 9:30 AM vs. Glen View (Field 2)
Oct 31 (Game 5): 10:00 AM vs. Oak Hill Black (Field 1)
Nov 7 (Game 6): 10:30 AM vs. Reidy Creek (Field 1)
Nov 14 (Game 7): 9:00 AM vs. Lincoln (Field 2)
Nov 21: Championship Day (Times TBD based on seedings)
Interested in playing in future seasons? Visit the SD Legion Community EUSD League Page for more details.
Go Central!
Family Opportunities & Resources
October 2026 Kids Free Fun & Savings!
It’s a kid’s paradise all month long! Children ages 12 and under receive FREE admission with a paid adult from Oct. 1 to 31 at more than 70 of the region's favorite museums, historic sites, aquariums, gardens, and more. Many locations are even free for the whole family!
With so many participating spots across the county, finding your next family adventure is easy. You can explore interactive discovery spaces, wildlife parks, world-class art exhibitions, and hidden cultural gems without breaking the bank.
How to Join the Fun:
Browse the complete list of participating museums to pick your family's favorite spots.
Download your specific venue vouchers in advance from the official San Diego Museum Council Coupons Page.
Head out and start exploring!
The Salvation Army - Escondido Corps
Looking for local programs, family activities, or community support? The Salvation Army Escondido Corps offers a variety of weekly programs and services for families, youth, and seniors:
Youth Programs & Activities: Kids in grades K–12 can join Kids Club on Wednesdays at 4:30 PM for games, meals, and activities, followed by Singing Company at 6:00 PM. Piano classes are also available on Sundays at 12:00 PM.
Food & Community Assistance: Access free food via the Family Food Pantry (Mondays & Fridays from 11:00 AM while supplies last) or the Senior Meal To-Go program (Fridays at 5:00 PM, RSVP required). Family & Social Services office hours are Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri (9:30 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–3:00 PM).
Worship & Bible Study: Sunday School begins at 9:30 AM, with Worship Service and Children’s Church at 10:30 AM. Mid-week Bible Study is held Tuesdays at 5:00 PM.
Seasonal & Special Events: Keep an eye out throughout the year for summer camps, Back to School supplies, Trunk or Treat, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas Angel Tree assistance.
Location: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido, CA 92026
Phone: (760) 631-8212
Website: escondido.salvationarmy.org
Join Us for a Spooktacular Trunk or Treat & Dance Party!
Get your costumes ready and join us for a fun-filled evening for the whole family! The Salvation Army is hosting a Trunk or Treat & Dance Party packed with games, treats, and festive fun.
When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM
Where: 1301 Las Villas Way, Escondido
What to Expect: Music, cotton candy, snow cones, dinner, and tons of candy!
Want to attend or host a decorated trunk? Please RSVP or sign up to host by emailing amber.ohl@usw.salvationarmy.org. We can't wait to see you there!
Unlock Free Health and Wellness Support with Neighborhood Networks!
As a Medi-Cal Community Care Hub, Neighborhood Networks connects eligible members to no-cost local support:
Enhanced Care Management: 1-on-1 coordination for appointments, transportation, and care.
Community Health Worker Services: Local guidance and health navigation.
Housing Services: Assistance finding, applying for, and keeping stable housing.
Ready to connect? Fill Out the Neighborhood Networks Interest Form Here or Visit the Neighborhood Networks Website for More Information and to check your eligibility.
Questions? Call 619-273-3295 or email info@neighborhood-networks.org.
Free Family Support Services Available Through ChildNET!
Central Elementary families with children ages 0–5 can access no-cost support through ChildNET (a partnership between EUSD State Preschool and Vista Hill) to help kids manage big feelings, build social skills, and adjust to school.
Services Include:
Therapy & Case Management: Individual and family support.
Incredible Years® Programs: Small group skill-building and parenting classes.
Assessments: Includes psychiatric consultations when appropriate.
Social-Emotional Learning: Fun puppet-based lessons with Dina Dinosaur and friends.
How to Connect: Speak with Khrystina Hendrickson at Central Elementary, or contact the ChildNET office at 760-280-5020 (425 W. 5th Ave, Suite #101).
PTA
Your time, your support, and your donation make a difference!
Our Next PTA Association Meeting
- When: Thursday, November 12 at 2:00 p.m.
- Where: Community Room
- Tip: Save time by entering directly through the Broadway entrance—no need to sign in at the main office when using this side of campus.
Fresh Gear Alert: New PTA T-Shirts Are Here!
Show your school spirit! The PTA is thrilled to announce that brand-new school T-shirts are officially available for purchase. They are just $15 each. Grab yours today to support our school programs and wear your school pride on your sleeve—literally!
Upcoming Fundraisers
McTeacher’s Night: November 4th
Mark your calendars for a fun evening out with family and friends! On Wednesday, November 4th, Central Elementary is hosting McTeacher’s Night at McDonald’s (1146 E Valley Pkwy).
Come grab dinner anytime between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM, and McDonald’s will donate 10% of ALL sales directly back to our school!
Your favorite Central teachers, the PTA Board, and our Principal will all be there in person hosting, greeting families, and cheering on our school. It’s a wonderful chance for students to see their teachers outside the classroom while raising money for Central. Skip cooking dinner on November 4th and come join the fun—we can't wait to see you there!